SIKHISM FAQ
frequently asked questions
New To Sikhism? Start Here
If you are exploring Sikhism for the first time, we recommend beginning with our Introduction to Sikhism page, which covers the founding of the faith, the core beliefs of Sikhs, and an overview of Sikh practices and way of life.
Our FAQ page answers the most common questions people ask about Sikhism, including:
- What do Sikhs believe?
- Why do Sikhs wear turbans?
- What is the Gurdwara and can anyone visit?
- What is Langar, the Sikh community kitchen?
- Who was Guru Nanak Dev Ji?
- What are the Five Ks (Panj Kakars)?
God & Creation
According to Sikhism the very first and primal definition of God is Truth. He is eternal, infinite and omnipresent — the creator, free from birth and death. He has no special temple and has no chosen people. His gifts and bounties are showered equally on all. His abode is the heart of each living person. He is love and expects the whole creation to act in His own love.
Waheguru is the most common name for God in Sikhism. It means "Wondrous Lord" or "Wonderful Teacher" — a combination of "Wahe" (wonderful, in awe) and "Guru" (teacher, enlightener). Sikhs repeat the name Waheguru as a form of meditation called Nam Simran — the constant remembrance of God. It is also used as a greeting: "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh" — the Khalsa belongs to God, victory belongs to God.
According to Sikhism there was darkness everywhere — no earth, sun, moon, days or nights. Only the Omnipotent prevailed. Then He willed and out of the word expressing His will, the universe came into existence. As the Guru Granth Sahib states: "The True Lord created air, air gave birth to water, water brought forth life — and He Himself is in all the creation."
The universe comes into existence through God's creative power and ceases to exist at His will. Nothing except Him is eternal. According to Guru Gobind Singh it is 'a play' that exists only until He brings it to an end. The universe is real as an expression of God's supreme reality, but has no infinite or independent existence.
The human soul is a part of the universal all-embracing soul. Like sparks from a fire or waves from an ocean, the human soul emanates from God at His will. All souls have the same attributes. When human beings learn to serve God and keep His presence in mind, they develop Godly traits of love, service, humility and courage — and through the Guru's guidance, the soul is ultimately united with God.
Sikhism does not believe in a literal heaven or hell as physical places of reward or punishment after death. Instead, the Guru Granth Sahib teaches that heaven and hell are states of the mind experienced in this life — a life lived in God's love and service is heaven, while a life of ego and sin is its own hell. The ultimate goal is mukti — liberation from the cycle of birth and death and union with God.
Sikhs believe in the evolution of the soul. Good or bad deeds affect the soul and determine its future course. Sikhs do not believe in a predestined course — present actions, coupled with God's grace, can change everything. Salvation from the cycle of birth and death can be obtained through good deeds and by the grace of God's name, as taught by the Guru.
The Gurus
According to Sikhism God is never born and never dies — so no Guru claimed to be God. However, the Gurus were so near to the Lord that those who met them said they were "God in human form." The Gurus were perfect human beings who conveyed God's message. Today the Gurus are not among us in human form but their word lives on in the Guru Granth Sahib — which Guru Gobind Singh declared as the Guru for all time.
Yes. Almost all religions agree on the necessity of a religious guide. In Sikhism, the authority of the personal Guru was vested in the Guru Granth Sahib after Guru Gobind Singh — the last human Guru — passed away in 1708. The Guru Granth Sahib presides over all Sikh gatherings as the living, eternal Guru.
The Guru awakens the spiritual vision in the heart of the disciple, frees them from ego, dispels ignorance and unites them with the Lord. The Guru acts both as a guide and as an ideal to be followed. As Guru Arjan says: "Dear brother, the medicine of God's name is within all of us — but without the Guru, we do not know how to use it."
Those who fail to deserve God's grace suffer worldly sorrows and enter the endless cycle of birth and death. However their wandering ceases when they meet a true Guru, repent their failings and open themselves to God's grace. The Guru's instruction opens the soul's eyes to true reality and enables them to see the Lord.
Saints, Scriptures & Other Religions
A person pure in word, thought and deed, dedicated to remembering God and helping others remember Him, is a saint. A saint is not fettered by ceremonies, outward signs, taboos or rituals. They love humanity as a whole and do not believe in differences caused by national or geographical boundaries.
The Sikhs recognise saints as preachers of the same philosophy as the Gurus. Kabir, Ravidas, Dhanna, Sadhna, Pipa and Nam Dev were some of the saints for whom Sikhs have great regard — their hymns are included in the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhism is careful to distinguish true saints from those who merely claim the title.
Sikhism discredits no religion. All religions originated with good intentions and are like different roads leading to the same destination. Guru Arjan included the hymns of Hindu and Muslim saints in the Guru Granth Sahib, caring nothing for their caste or religion. The Gurus encouraged their followers to cultivate a rational attitude and find out for themselves what is right and wrong.
Sikhism differs from Hinduism in rejecting the caste system and idol worship. It differs from Islam in rejecting the finality of Mohammed as a prophet. Sikhism teaches that God can be realised while living a family life — no need for asceticism. Women are considered equal to men. The Langar (free community kitchen) is another unique feature of Sikhism.
Sikhism does not claim a monopoly on salvation. The Gurus never claimed that only those who came through them could attain salvation. As the Guru Granth Sahib says: "The world is ablaze O Lord; Save it in thy mercy. Through whatever way they come Lord; Pull them up to your bosom."
The most commonly used scripture is the Guru Granth Sahib — containing the hymns of 6 Gurus, 15 Bhagats of various religions, and minstrels. First compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1604, it has 1,430 pages. Next in importance is the Dasam Granth, containing the writings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Other permitted texts include the Vars of Bhai Gurdas and the writings of Bhai Nand Lal.
Yes, there are a few sects in Sikhism — including Bandais, Nam Dharis and Bhasauria Sikhs. The differences arose from following different personalities after the Gurus. However all Sikhs essentially believe in the Gurus and the philosophy expounded in the Guru Granth Sahib. The differences are more superficial than theological.
The Khalsa & The Five Ks
The Khalsa code of conduct includes: worshipping only God; believing only in the Guru Granth Sahib; rejecting caste, untouchability, magic and rituals; wearing the Five Ks; praying before starting any work; learning Punjabi and Gurmukhi; adding Singh (men) or Kaur (women) to one's name; avoiding all intoxicants; living on honest labour; and greeting fellow Sikhs with "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh."
The Five Ks are symbols of discipline signifying the wearer's belonging to the Khalsa. Kachha (breeches) stands for chastity and readiness. Kara (steel bracelet) indicates restraint and indebtedness to the Guru. Kirpan (sword) is an emblem of power and freedom of spirit. Kesh (uncut hair) represents acceptance of God's will. Kangha (comb) is a sign of cleanliness. Together they enjoin Sikhs to look and behave like Guru Gobind Singh.
Yes. It is considered disgraceful for a Singh to shear off hair as it disobeys the Guru's command. The Guru Granth Sahib states: "Saabat Surat Dastar Sira" — "Keep your form complete and wear a turban." The five symbols have held Sikhs in united brotherhood — they endow a Sikh with courage and a visible commitment to their faith.
Guru Gobind Singh made no fundamental changes to Sikhism — the Sikhs had always stood against oppression from Guru Nanak's time. The Five Ks and formal baptism were the fulfilment of a programme outlined by Guru Nanak. By formally baptising his Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh laid more stress on external signs demanded by a disciplined organisation ready to defend justice and righteousness.
To become a Sikh one must declare total faith in the Guru's word, surrender to the Lord's Divine Will and accept the Amrit Sanchar — the baptism administered by five Sikhs in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. Having been baptised, the Sikh adopts the Five Ks and lives according to the Guru's instructions.
The Sikhs call miracles and occult powers useless because they lead one away from God. Guru Nanak said: "I can do nothing against the laws of nature. For me the True Name is the miracle of miracles — I know no other miracle." Guru Gobind Singh excommunicated his own son for performing a miracle before the Mughal Emperor.
Sikh Society & Daily Life
Sikhs do not believe in caste or untouchability. The Sikh Gurus fought against these social evils all their lives. The institution of Langar — where all sit together and eat as equals — was established specifically to counteract caste. Even Emperor Akbar had to sit and dine with commoners in the Guru's kitchen before he was allowed to see the Guru. As Guru Nanak said: "Let no one take pride in his caste."
There are no professional priests or monks in Sikhism, nor any vows of celibacy. Sikhism is essentially egalitarian. Anyone having a reasonable proficiency in Punjabi can conduct the service — no special dress, collar or title is required. Women can also conduct service and act as Granthis (readers).
In Sikhism there is complete equality between the sexes. Women can visit a temple, conduct service, lead Sikh armies, vote in elections and claim all rights enjoyed by Sikh men. They are not required to observe Parda (veil). In Sikh teaching, women are described as "the conscience of men." Guru Amar Das appointed women as missionaries of the Sikh faith.
Different cultures affect one another, but religion is more than culture. The strength of a person lies in their faith and convictions. True Sikhism remains as strong as ever. A religion does not stand by numbers but by principles. Those Sikhs who cut their hair but still believe in the Gurus and Gurbani remain members of the Sikh community — it is never too late to return to the Guru's path.
Manual labour and service to God's creation are an essential part of Sikhism. Seva is of three types: Tan (manual service — cooking, cleaning, caring for the sick), Dhan (material service — donating to Langar, temples, schools), and Man (intellectual service — understanding scripture and educating others). Guru Nanak declared: "Work hard and share your earnings — this is the only way to find the way."
Sikhism is a religion of action, rationality and human freedom — not in conflict with science. Guru Nanak wrote "There are millions of moons and suns and many solar systems like ours" — a concept modern science has confirmed. The Guru Granth Sahib's teachings on matter and energy find echoes in modern scientific understanding. Modern science is therefore complementary to Sikhism.
Unlike some other religions Sikhism has no aversion to music — the Sikhs consider music as the food of the soul. Sacred devotional music in Sikhism is called Kirtan. Guru Nanak himself composed his teachings in verse and sang hymns with his companion Bhai Mardana. The Guru Granth Sahib is organised according to 31 classical musical ragas. Guru Arjan said: "Devotional music is a valuable diamond — the wise imbibe bliss through it."
Love is the pivot of Sikhism. The Gurus believed salvation is impossible without love. According to Guru Gobind Singh: "Only they realise God who practise love." Sikh love is pure, indivisible and spiritual — free from pride and selfishness, based on giving rather than receiving. The institution of Langar is a practical training ground for this love — sharing and serving all people equally.
Ceremonies & Practices
The Sikhs have very few ceremonies. Baptism (Amrit Sanchar) and marriage (Anand Karaj) are the main ones. Other functions include Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), the Naam Karan (naming ceremony) and ceremonies at birth and death. At each function hymns are read and Karah Parshad (sacred food) is distributed at the end.
Sikh marriage — the Anand Karaj — takes place in a Gurdwara in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. The Granthi reads the four Lavan (wedding hymns) of Guru Ram Das which explain the four stages of human spiritual life. After each reading the couple circles the Guru Granth Sahib in acceptance. After the fourth round, Anand Sahib is recited and the ceremony is complete.
The Sikh funeral ceremony is called Antam Sanskar — meaning "last rites." The body is washed, dressed in clean clothes and the Five Ks, and cremated. Before cremation, Ardas (prayer) is offered and Gurbani (hymns) are recited. An Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib) may be arranged. Sikhism teaches that death is not something to be feared — it is the soul returning to God. Mourning is discouraged in favour of prayer and acceptance of God's will.
There are no set times in the sense that missing a prayer is sinful. Sikhs are encouraged to repeat hymns whenever they find time. Usually Japji Sahib is read in the morning and Rehras in the evening — but there is no strict requirement. The Guru's hymns can be repeated aloud or silently, at work, on the road, or anywhere.
The only food restriction for Sikhs is that baptised Sikhs are forbidden from eating Halal meat — meat prepared by ritual slaughter. Sikhs are also asked to abstain from all intoxicants. There are no other restrictions regarding food in Sikhism.
There are no religious feast days or mandatory fast days in Sikhism. A Sikh may have a feast at any time and may observe a fast if useful for health — but fasting as a religious practice for spiritual benefit has no value in Sikhism.
There is no restriction regarding dress generally, except that it should be simple and modest. The Five Ks and turban are required for baptised Sikhs — they shall in no case wear a cap or hat in place of the turban.
The Gurdwara & Sacred Places
A Gurdwara — meaning "Gateway to the Guru" — is the Sikh place of worship. It is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Every Gurdwara has the Guru Granth Sahib installed on a raised throne at the centre, a congregation hall where Kirtan (devotional music) is performed, and a Langar hall where free meals are served to all. Visitors are asked to remove their shoes, cover their heads and avoid tobacco and alcohol on the premises.
Yes — absolutely. Gurdwaras are open to everyone regardless of faith, caste, gender or background. Non-Sikhs are warmly welcome to attend Kirtan (devotional music), listen to Gurbani, and eat in the Langar (free community kitchen). The only requirements are to remove shoes, cover your head, and avoid tobacco and alcohol on the premises.
For Sikhs every Gurdwara is a sacred place — God is not confined to one location. The most revered place is Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) in Amritsar. The Five Takhats — Akal Takhat, Kesgarh Sahib, Hazur Sahib, Patna Sahib and Damdama Sahib — are the supreme seats of Sikh authority. Places associated with Guru Nanak — including Nanakana Sahib and Kartarpur (now in Pakistan) — are also deeply revered.
When Sikhs assemble to discuss an issue affecting the Sikh nation as a whole, the assembly is called the Sarbat Khalsa. Every Sikh is entitled to attend. It traditionally met twice a year on Baisakhi and Diwali. Decisions made at the Sarbat Khalsa are binding on all Sikhs throughout the world. The practice was revived in 1986 to discuss the implications of Operation Blue Star of June 1984.
Sikhism in Summary
Sikhism is essentially a practical religion and a way of life. It proclaims human equality, the futility of caste and race prejudice, and the fruitlessness of idol worship. It lays stress on the worship of One God and the living of a high spiritual life — based on the principles laid down and practically demonstrated by the ten Sikh Gurus.
The mother tongue of the Sikh people is Punjabi — one of the most widely spoken languages in the world with over 125 million speakers. Gurmukhi is the script used to write Punjabi in the Sikh tradition — meaning "from the mouth of the Guru." It was standardized by Guru Angad Dev Ji in the 16th century and is the script in which the Guru Granth Sahib is written. Learning Gurmukhi is considered an important part of a Sikh education.
Langar is the free community kitchen that operates in every Gurdwara in the world — serving free vegetarian meals to anyone who walks in, regardless of faith, caste, gender or background. Established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and institutionalized by Guru Amar Das Ji, Langar is one of the most powerful expressions of the Sikh values of equality, service and community. Everyone sits on the floor together as equals to eat — no distinction is made between anyone.
There is no religious restriction on marriage in Sikhism — adults have every right to marry without parental consent. Arranged marriages are a cultural tradition, not a religious requirement. The practice is becoming less common among Sikhs. Most Sikh families simply seek to help their children find a suitable partner through guidance and experience.
